Structure of Protein Pair Provides Blueprint for Future Drugs

Publishers Note:

Researcher Associate Professor Jeff Babon advises:

This is very early stage research. It gives us the blueprint to begin to develop a medicine that targets the molecule, JAK2, that is responsible for PV and other MPNs in a novel way, the same way that is used by own our natural JAK2-inhibitory protein (called SOCS1).

The next stage will be to find (or build) a molecule according to the blueprint we have and then to test how well it works. Initially this research will be done in cells in culture and after that in mice. Only when it has been shown to be effective in laboratory models can it move into clinical trials.”

Structure of protein pair provides blueprint for future drugs

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have visualised for the first time how the protein SOCS1 ‘switches off’ cell signalling to dampen immune responses and block cancer growth.

At a glance

Our researchers have used structural biology to visualise how SOCS1 binds to JAK proteins in never-before seen detail.

The detailed structure may guide the development of new drugs that modify JAK activity, amplifying or dampening cell responses, with potential applications in cancer therapies.

Switching off signalling

Dr Liau said the structure of the protein pair revealed for the first time how SOCS1 binds to JAK proteins to disable signalling.

“Using the Australian Synchrotron and the CSIRO Collaborative Crystallisation Centre, we produced an incredibly detailed view of how SOCS1 interacts with the JAK1 protein,” Dr Liau said. “With this image, we were able to explain for the first time why JAK proteins cannot signal when bound to SOCS1. This information could help to underpin the development of new medicine targeting this important cell signalling pathway.”

A blueprint for new medicines

“In particular, overactive JAK signalling is linked to the development of cancer-like conditions called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) – which include polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis – as well as certain acute childhood leukaemias.

“Medicines that inhibit JAK signalling are in use for treating MPNs, but they are only able to manage the disease, not cure it. New medicines for these conditions are needed, and we envisage that a drug designed to mimic the SOCS1 protein to switch off JAK proteins might be a more effective treatment,” Dr Kershaw said.

As well as guiding the development of drugs mimicking SOCS1, the team’s research may also underpin the development of a second new class of drugs that inhibit SOCS1, Associate Professor Jeff Babon said. “SOCS1 binding JAK proteins normally applies a ‘brake’ to immune responses – which in a healthy person is a good thing,” he said.

“However, in certain conditions, releasing this brake could be the key to enhanced immune responses. This approach to boosting the immune response could be the key to improving immunotherapies for treating cancer. If we could design a drug that inhibits SOCS1, this might boost anti-cancer immune responses, potentially improving anti-cancer immunotherapies.”

Dr Liau is a former PhD student at the Institute, enrolled through the University of Melbourne’s Department of Medical Biology. The research was supported by Cancer Council Victoria, National Health and Medical Research Council and the Victorian Government.

Founder of PV Reporter, a resource for Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) patients and caregivers. After being diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera (PV) in 2009, I utilized social media to connect with "informed patients" and develop a better understanding of emerging treatment options. My philosophy on patient care is straight forward - "educating the patient is essential, so the patient can guide their physician to meet his or her needs." PV Reporter is a comprehensive resource hub giving visitors vital tools to become "empowered patients."

MPN Search

Follow Us!

About

PV Reporter was created by David Wallace, an aspiring web designer, publisher, writer, reporter, patient advocate and chief bottle washer. I have been a PV patient since 2009. PV became a motivating factor to push myself to always be learning something new. Learning web design and becoming a patient advocate were some of my primary goals.

Check out our New Mobile App!

The largest ever study of its type is the first to definitively show an increased risk of blood cancers in relatives of patients. A team […] The post Risk of Myeloid Blood Cancers are increased in relatives of patients appeared first on MPN Cancer Connection.

Brilliant work by Nathalie Cook lobbying the Australian Government for access to affordable drugs for Cancer Patients Inspiring, tenacious and rewarding work that will benefit the […] The post MPN Patient Advocacy Works appeared first on MPN Cancer Connection.

Publisher’s Note: My source at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) informed me that “initially MPNs aren’t going to be a primary focus, however, we expect […] The post ASH Partners with UNC, a ClinGen grantee to Curate Genomic data for Blood Research appeared first on MPN Cancer Connection.

Metformin demonstrates antileukemic activity and may have clinical implications for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) in combination with ruxolitinib, according to a study published in Cell Death & […] The post Ruxolitinib Metformin combo: A Possible Alternative Treatment for Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Patients appeared first on MPN Cancer Connection.